When a friend asked about the plot of "Brotherhood of The Wolf," I replied as concisely as possible. It is a French subtitled, action-adventure, political, costume drama, werewolf, martial-arts film set in the 1700s. And it's a whole lot of fun.
"Brotherhood of the Wolf," like the beast it brings to life, bites off more than it can chew. This movie cannot be taken seriously, so just buy popcorn, plant both feet firmly on the sticky theater floor and relax. "Brotherhood" does not deal with deep issues or possess an exceptional plot, but it keeps the viewer entertained for over two hours.
In a nifty "Jaws"-esque beginning, a lone peasant girl is brutalized by an unseen beast. Seems this sort of thing has been happening all around the French village of Gevauden. Called in to fight the beast are our heroes, Gregoire de Fronsac (Samuel Le Bihan) and his trusted sidekick, Mani (Mark Dacascos). Fronsac is an adventurer well-versed in taxidermy, hunting and martial arts. While exploring the "New World," Fronsac befriended Mani, an equally dexterous Iroquois Indian. United by equally odd talents, the two became inseparable "blood brothers."
After quickly saving a random epileptic whore, the duo proceeds to meet some of the townspeople. Top priority, of course, is organizing a hunting party to rid the village of the nasty beast. Joining the hunt are the moody, one-armed Jean-Francois (Vincent Cassell) and the dorky but lovable aristocrat Thomas (Jeremie Renier).
Of course, a close second priority is the visit to the local whorehouse. There, Fronsac meets Sylvia (Monica Bellucci), the mysterious and rather kinky prostitute with a past. During one of their vigorous exchanges, a new point in cinematic editing is reached (whether this "point" is a high or low probably depends on one's gender) when Bellucci's breast fades into an identically-shaped mountain.
Of course, real work is at hand, especially when the beast keeps on killing innocent buxom peasant girls in graphic detail. Honestly, one would think young ladies living in Gevauden would note this disturbing trend and take appropriate action. If staying inside absolutely was impossible, perhaps they could at least wear turtlenecks or scarves, since the wolf obviously favors his meat covered in mud with ample cleavage.
Fronsac, on orders from the king, doctors up a stuffed wolf to fool people into thinking the beast is dead. As killings continue, however, Fronsac and Mani can no longer stay inactive. When they find that the beast is being controlled by a vicious master, the plot becomes increasingly convoluted, involving cults, the Vatican and different political factions. "Brotherhood of the Wolf" culminates in at least 16 "final" showdowns.
First off, a word for the faint of heart: the subtitles are not annoying at all. One barely notices them %- except, of course, when words are misused. Whoever translated obviously had trouble distinguishing between "pray" and "prey," for we are told both that a beast "prays on our peasants" and that "Indian hunters eat the hearts of their pray."
Speaking of Indian hunters, Mani is an especially entertaining character. It is nice to know that if his career as a French martial-artist doesn't pan out, he can definitely find work endorsing Pantene Pro-V or Bow-flex. The man has better hair than I do and knows how to use it. Mani executes more hair flips than the entire cast of "Charlie's Angels." He also likes to show off his toned physique, prancing around in nearly nonexistent loincloths. During one particularly intense fight scene, I found myself wondering from where on his person, exactly, he was pulling his numerous weapons.
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The movie's sound is amazing and literally bone-crushing. One can hear every muscle tear and every rib crack (which gets rather sickening at times). The film uses a lot of slow-motion to tell the audience what is coming - either we are about to see a graphic skull shot, or the hero will have just enough time to deflect a blow and roll out of the way. A standout fight scene involves a really cool sword resembling a spine. This crafty we_aponry, coupled with kinetic choreography, certainly makes for many enjoyable fight sequences.
And what of villains? The vicious beast resembles an oversized porcupine-wolf hybrid. Its trail of carnage is a little more frightening than its appearance, as is its creepy master. As in "Gladiator," however, it is not enough that the villain is nasty and cruel - incest is involved as well.
Feet glued to the sticky floor and eyes rolling at the screen, I had a good time watching "Brotherhood of the Wolf." As long as one doesn't go in expecting too much - and revels in the random nature of the film - it will be a satisfying two hours.
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